Re: Tram Stop platforms [was VR trams (was Batman Avenue TramsFini...

[PCCSTREETCAR@webtv.net (John Engleman)]

There is no clearance problem with any part of any Z class tram clearing
any platform.  What started this whole "Zs banned from platform stops"
was when a Z was tested on the 96 and 109 light rail portions, and some
brilliant Met (or union) official decreed that the gap between the first
step at the front of the car and the platform facing MIGHT be too great
a distance for someone, who MIGHT fall or trip trying to jump a distance
that MIGHT be too great for them.  The Zs have to have the great amount
of taper that they have due to their long length so they can pass other
trams going around corners.  Thus all Z class trams were banned from
operating IN SERVICE on the light rail portions of the 96 and 109 ( not
to mention that at that time all Zs still had two trolley poles, and
couldn't run there anyway).  There have been a couple of Zs pressed into
emergency service on the 109,  however they have operated one trip only,
but they regularly run out of service on the St. Kilda light rail
between Fitzroy Street and the City.